iPod speakers--can I bring them?

I'm going abroad for 3 months, and really want to bring my iPod alarm clock/speakers (it's an iHome system). It seems stupid to buy a new one for only a few months, but from everything I've read, things get fried really easily using adapters.

On the iHome site, they say:

"Will the iH5 work in Europe?
No, the iH5 radio section is designed only to receive AM/FM signals in the United States. However, it may work as an iPOD player provided you have a high quality universal adaptor outside the US but there may be noise issues depending on the adaptor."

Does this mean I don't even need a converter? The power input is clearly designed for only 120 volts. If I buy a converter, how much should I expect to pay for a decent one?

Any advice would be appreciated.

I dunno. I brought my regular iPod speakers over, just used a basic adapter with them, and they were fine, no noise issues or anything.

My advice is don't go for cheapy transformers, and avoid Radio Shack as well.  I ended up buying a few of these http://www.world-import.com/WSS630.htm and at the last minute I realized I needed another one, so I picked up a cheapy at Radio Shack (well, not so cheapy actually... it cost me over $45).  Once I arrived in the UK, the ones I purchased online worked fine and the Radio Shack one was fried from day 1.  I'm just lucky it didn't fry any of my electronics.  I would recommend the site I just listed.  If you contact them via email they can recommend the right products for your circumstances.  They also sell plug adapters of just about every type which always come in handy.

Hope this helps.

I was just checking out the unit, and saw that it has a removable power plug. I think I'm going to switch it out with the power plug for my printer, which has a converter box that allows it to be used with 220v as well. I think I will just need an adapter in that case, which is much easier!

I'm going to check out that site and get some converters for other things. I used a hair straightener while on vacation in Spain a week ago, and within 10 seconds of plugging it in, the whole thing fried. Very sad.

The noise issue is most likely to be a problem if you try using one of the "el cheapo" switching converters instead of a proper transformer.    Personally, I would advise against using the transformer-less converters for anything, and certainly not for electronic equipment.  Get a decent transformer of the correct size -- You'll pay a few bucks more but you won't have any problems.

Some more suggestions, from this side of the Atlantic:

http://www.newmarket-transformers.co.uk

http://www.airlinktransformers.com

No, the iH5 radio section is designed only to receive AM/FM signals in the United States.

I assume that the digital tuning on this unit stops only on the assigned broadcast channels, as is common on many modern sets.  The problem with this arrangement is that the U.S. and U.K. channel assignments are different.

On AM, the U.S. has 10kHz spacing -- 900, 910, 920, 930 etc.  The U.K. uses 9kHz channels -- 900, 909, 918, 927, 936 etc. --  so only a few spots on the dial coincide with U.S. assignments.   

On FM, American channels are on 200kHz spacing, always ending in an odd digit:  89.7, 89.9, 90.1, 90.3, 90.5 etc.   Some U.K. FM stations use the even slot -- 90.2, 90.4 etc. -- and a few are even on 50kHz spacing, e.g. 90.15 MHz.

You'll find that you can receive some stations fine, some will be audible but not very clear as you'll be a little off-tune, and some will be completely unlistenable.

I don't have time to order any before I leave, what kind of store should I go to to find ones with transformers? I've heard Radio Shack is a bad bet.

I was just checking out the unit, and saw that it has a removable power plug. I think I'm going to switch it out with the power plug for my printer, which has a converter box that allows it to be used with 220v as well. I think I will just need an adapter in that case, which is much easier!

Ah, so the unit has an external power supply?   You might be able to use the printer supply, but don't bank on it.  You would need to check that the output voltage and current rating is suitable, that the power is AC or DC as needed, and if DC that the polarity on the connector is correct.

Dude, if you are just looking to use your iHome for speakers that play your iPod, don't bother with the transformer and all that, do you have speakers for your computer, use them! They plug right into your iPod headphone port and work great. Alternatively, if you have a regular stereo with an aux port, get a cable that you can plug into your iPod and use them, lastly, your other option would be to get the cassette player iPod thing, that is meant for listening to your iPod in your car, it will also work in the cassette decks of most stereos, although it may pinch the wire a little when you close the deck.

Your best bet is the computer speakers, most people already have them so it costs nothing to use for your iPod. (By the way this works pretty much with all mp3 players, as the headphone port is standard).

Shoot, now why didn't I think of suggesting that?   

Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the technicalities and overlook the more obvious and practical solution!   

Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the technicalities and overlook the more obvious and practical solution!   

Yep, and that's how loadsa money is made offa loadsa us who don't see the forest for the trees! It was only after I got all the gadgets for my iPod that I discovered the secret of computer speakers, which was a doh! moment! On the plus side, I now have speakers for the iPod in the kitchen, living room and bedroom cause of that, lol. Plus, I can take the iPod into the office I work at and listen to it there via the computer speakers, too, which is way nicer than listening to the radio.

That's a great idea. Not to be difficult though, but what I am so addicted to is the fact that it's an alarm clock, and it wakes me up to my music every day. I tried the new power source, and it works fine, so I think just using an adapter might be okay.